Museo Italiano, Carlton

In January we had a day off from caring for Dad. It was a stinking hot day (41 degrees) and coming out of the air-conditioned comfort of Cinema Nova, we weren’t quite ready to head home yet but didn’t want to relinquish our undercover car park. What could we do? Then I remembered the Museo Italiana at the CoAsIt building in Faraday Street, which I’d promised myself I’d visit one day. Was it open? Yes! open Tuesday to Saturday. Was it air-conditioned? Yes! Beautifully!

It’s a good little museum, documenting the Italian migrant experience right back to convict days and the gold rush, but focussing on post-war migration. During the 1950s and 1960s, Carlton was known as the Italian part of Melbourne, a small remnant of which remains in Lygon Street today. The displays are professionally mounted, and there’s good use of music and video.

I spent a good proportion of my young years in Carlton, and lost my espresso virginity there. So spouse and I still go back to Lygon St for nostalgic coffees , cakes and shopping. So now I will have to find the Italian Museum and have a good look.